Collaborative Model for Use of High Fidelity Simulation to Improve Rural Care

Pawloski, Robert W.

Monday, 31 October 2011: 10:20 AM

Robert W. Pawloski, MS, EdD¹
Jeanette F. Vincent-Osman, MSN, RN²
Heather L. Seitz, BSRT(R)(M)²
Tiffany R. Eggleston, RN, BSN²
Barbara A. Nickel, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI³
Melanie S. Frear, RNC⁴
Marcie C. Kemnitz, EdD, RD⁵
(1)Department of Education and Child Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center: Munroe-Meyer Institute, Omaha, NE
(2)Nursing Department, Central Community College, Grand Island, NE
(3)Nursing Administration, St. Francis Medical Center, Grand Island, NE
(4)Simulation Education, St. Francis Medical Center, Grand Island, NE
(5)Health Sciences, Central Community College, Hastings, NE

Learning Objective 1: Discuss learning outcomes for students and practicing nurses in rural areas through collaborative use of high-fidelity simulation as an educational technology.

Learning Objective 2: Explore the potential to use simulation as an educational technique to improve safety and health outcomes for Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Background: Technologies such as mannequin patient simulators represent new pedagogy within worldwide education for nursing students and practicing nurses. However, there is a need for further research on the learning outcomes. Additionally, there is scant evidence on the use of this technology to improve care outcomes within a collaborative rural healthcare model. The purpose of this study was to examine evidence to inform practice on the efficacy of with nurses working in medically underserved remote areas. This federally-funded study was conducted in a rural state where 50 of the 93 counties are currently designated primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas and 55 of the counties have nursing shortages and an aging nursing workforce.

Methodology: This was a descriptive study using both qualitative and quantitative measures to examine learning outcomes using mannequin patient simulators. Baseline, pre and post test measurements included standardized nursing tests and short answer open-ended questions that assessed critical thinking, interpersonal relations, safety and application in practice.

Results: The study included 280 participants comprised of nursing students enrolled in a rural Nebraska nursing program and practicing nurses from partnering rural hospitals. Findings indicated a majority of participants had significant gains in skills and confidence after the simulation experiences.

Conclusion and Implications: The study provided evidence to inform educational pedagogy on the efficacy of mannequin patient simulators to improve critical thinking and safe practice for nurses in rural areas. The healthcare providers in this study population face unique challenges to provide culturally competent and safe care to diverse populations with limited healthcare access. The potential for simulation technology to be utilized as an educational strategy in a collaborative rural model will be discussed. The presentation will also highlight the implementation and evaluation challenges that arose among the multiple healthcare agencies and educational institutions in this rural collaborative model.

See more of: Collaboration of Health Care for Vulnerable Populations
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